PS301 Social Psychology

for S1B 2005

Mission Statement: The mission of Park University, an entrepreneurial institution of learning, is to provide access to academic excellence, which will prepare learners to think critically, communicate effectively and engage in lifelong learning while serving a global community.

Vision Statement: Park University will be a renowned international leader in providing innovative educational opportunities for learners within the global society.

Additional Resources:
As needed by students to complete projects as well as handouts and readings as assigned by the instructor. Book review: “The Road less Traveled” by M. Scoot Peck (provided by instructor).

Course Description:
This course is a study of the effects of social variables on the individual, including areas of group dynamics, conformity, leadership, obedience, and interpersonal attractions. To increase understanding of our own and others' behavior through dialogue and interpretation. Practicing interactions in class will enable students to improve interpersonal relations. The course will focus on real issues, as they would occur in the social realm.

Learning Outcomes:
A. Gain knowledge of the field of social psychology, its history, theories, research and goals.
B. Learn about self and social perceptions, interpersonal attraction, and what constitutes positive social action.
C. Gather information about prejudice and discrimination and how attitudes are shaped and changed.
D. Achieve understanding about how morality develops and is maintained.
E. Learn about aggression in the cultural context and the emotions accompanying; also bout power, leadership, and the various forms of control.
F. Recall social influences and the approaches used by individuals in a social exchange.
G. Identify group dynamics as well as the physical and environmental variables which affect behavior.

Course Assessment:
A. Pop Quiz/Review
B. Mid-term examination
C. Final examination
D. Group presentation
E. Book report (group)
F. Term paper
(A four to five typewritten report on a social issue. It must have a cover sheet and a reference page. The highlights of the report are shared orally with the class. The written report is given to the instructor. American Psychological Association (APA) format will be used for all papers.)

Suggested topic selections:
The Physically Challenged, The Mentally Challenged, Incidence of Crime in the United States of America, Juvenile Delinquency, Discrimination of Women, Discrimination of Minorities, Poverty in the United States, Our Present Welfare System, The New Proposed Welfare System, Who are the Homeless?, Leadership Styles in Business, Altruism Among Americans, The Rich in America, The Poor in America, The Pollution Problems We Face, Immigration Issues, Education Systems Issues, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication Styles at Work, Martial Problems in Contemporary Society, Problems in our Legal System, Group Dynamics, Environmental Issues, Global Population Growth, USA Health Issues, Competition Vs Cooperation, Job Satisfaction, How to Influence Others, Interpersonal Conflict, Voting in the USA, The Concepts of Equality and Equity, Problems of the Elderly, In Search of Family Values, Family Violence, Gun Control, Gang Violence, Euthanasia, Pro-Life Vs Pro-Choice Issues, Wellness in the USA, Prayer in Schools, The Family Breakdown, Ethical or Unethical Practices.

Late Submission of Course Materials:
Late reports are graded down by one letter grade.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:
Attendance is mandatory and is taken at each session. After two consecutive unexcused absences, the student's name is reported to the office. If you are going TDY, etc., prior arrangements must be made with the instructor about course requirements.

8th week-22 Feb
1. Final Examination-Chapters 8 – 13
2. Small group assignments: What else would you like to know about human behavior?
3. Synopsis of the course
4. Discussion
5. Book Review: The Road less Traveled

Academic Honesty:
Academic integrity is the foundation of the academic community. Because each student has the primary responsibility for being academically honest, students are advised to read and understand all sections of this policy relating to standards of conduct and academic life.
Park University 2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog Page 101
No form of academic dishonesty is permitted in any area of academic work.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism involves the use of quotations without quotation marks, the use of quotations without indication of the source, the use of another's idea without acknowledging the source, the submission of a paper, laboratory report, project, or class assignment (any portion of such) prepared by another person, or incorrect paraphrasing.
Park University 2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog Page 101

The instructor may excuse absences for valid reasons, but missed work must be made up within the semester/term of enrollment.

Work missed through unexcused absences must also be made up within the semester/term of enrollment, but unexcused absences may carry further penalties.

In the event of two consecutive weeks of unexcused absences in a semester/term
of enrollment, the student will be administratively withdrawn, resulting in a grade of "WH".

A "Contract for Incomplete" will not be issued to a student who has
unexcused or excessive absences recorded for a course.

Students receiving Military Tuition Assistance or Veterans Administration
educational benefits must not exceed three unexcused absences in the
semester/term of enrollment. Excessive absences will be reported to the
appropriate agency and may result in a monetary penalty to the student.

Report of a "F" grade (attendance or academic) resulting from
excessive absence for those students who are receiving financial assistance
from agencies not mentioned in item 5 above will be reported to the appropriate
agency.

Attendance is mandatory and is taken at each session. After two consecutive unexcused absences, the student's name is reported to the office.

Disability Guidelines:
Park University is committed to meeting the needs of all students that meet the criteria for special assistance. These guidelines are designed to supply directions to students concerning the information necessary to accomplish this goal. It is Park University's policy to comply fully with federal and state law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, regarding students with disabilities. In the case of any inconsistency between these guidelines and federal and/or state law, the provisions of the law will apply. Park University is committed to meeting the needs of all learners that meet the criteria for special assistance. These guidelines are designed to supply directions to learners concerning the information necessary to accomplish this goal. It is Park University's policy to comply fully with federal and state law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, regarding learners with disabilities and, to the extent of any inconsistency between these guidelines and federal and/or state law, the provisions of the law will apply. Additional information concerning Park University's policies and procedures related to disability can be found on the Park University web page: http://www.park.edu/disability .

Copyright:
This material is copyright and can not be reused without author permission.